Energy saving tricks to save you money and keep you warm this winter
When the weather starts cooling, people find they use more electricity to keep warm which can mean an increase in your monthly electricity bill. Here are some good habits to get into which will help curb unneeded electricity use during the cooler days of winter.
Installing ceiling insulation is the most important step for improving the energy efficiency of your home and makes it up to 5% warmer in winter. Approximately 40% of heat is lost through the roof if your home is not insulated
Install window blinds or hang curtains – it improves thermal insulation by preventing heat from escaping out of your home.
Install energy and water saving shower heads – it reduces the amount of hot water and electricity used to shower.
Install water flow restrictors on your taps – it reduces the amount of water your geyser needs to reheat and, therefore, lowers your geyser’s energy consumption.
Energy-saving lights – replace all your old incandescent lights with energy-efficient Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) and Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs); CFLs use up to 80% less electricity than incandescent light bulbs and LEDs are even more energy-efficient.
Invest in a fan heater controlled via a thermostat – this is the most energy-efficient space heating option if you need quick heat for just one hour in an average room of 3 x 4 x 2,5 meters; it spreads heat quickly and evenly and the thermostat switches it off when the room temperature reaches the desired level.
Replace your electrical element geyser with a solar water heating system or heat pump – water heating can account for up to 50% of your monthly energy costs; solar can assist you to reduce your energy costs with up to 24% whilst heat pumps are three times more energy-efficient than conventional geysers.
Install a geyser blanket and pipe insulation on the first 1,5 metres of pipes to reduce heat loss.
COOKING
Use energy-efficient appliances for cooking – slow cookers are best for preparing winter warming meals such as stews and oxtail, whilst microwaves are best for preparing your favourite small-volume winter meals.
Replace your conventional oven with an energy-efficient convection oven or, alternatively, install an induction stove – compatible with stainless steel, cast iron and enamel cookware, approximately 90% of energy generated is used for cooking on an induction stove, making it 25% more energy-efficient than conventional stove-tops
Boil only enough water in the kettle for the number of cups of hot drinks you are preparing and try not to use hot water for tasks you can accomplish with cold water – such as rinsing dishes and vegetables.
